Celebrating their 20th anniversary, Skillets’ owner Amie Baima knows that in addition to her customers, the real secret to her restaurant’s longevity and enduring fans is her staff. Whether in the kitchen cooking, creating, prepping, or washing dishes, behind the bar pouring drinks, taking orders, balancing trays, and serving guests, or manning the hostess stand keeping everybody happy and getting folks seated as soon as possible, Baima knows this team needs to operate like a well-oiled machine to succeed, and it usually does.

With ample tables, their prime Coligny Plaza location, and one of the best porches around to lean back and enjoy a leisurely breakfast any time of the day, lunch, or dinner, on any given day, the staff needs to hustle to keep it all running smoothly. The kitchen staff and wait staff really show w hat they’ve got, cooking, serving dishes from the three menus and keeping up with the creative changes made by Baima. Ever on the lookout for new culinary inspiration, Baima surprises her guests with delicious specials, inspired themes, and great menu additions.

With the potential for some chilly island days upon us, the timing is perfect to visit Skillets and check out the soup of the day. Every summer Baima’s mom and dad join the staff, with her mom helping at the hostess stand, and her dad helping with recipe development, particularly soup recipes.

]]>http://www.skilletscafe.com/skillets-on-youtube/feed/0Skillets Cafe Turning 20http://www.skilletscafe.com/skillets-cafe-turning-20/
http://www.skilletscafe.com/skillets-cafe-turning-20/#commentsWed, 17 Jul 2013 12:40:03 +0000http://www.skilletscafe.com/?p=541Amie Baima is the first to admit working with her for twenty years is no piece
of cake. So how has Paula McDonald-Snodgrass managed to do just that with a smile on her face?

After driving through the night, my family and I arrived on Hilton Head Island just in time for breakfast. Since we had plenty of time to waste before we could get into our rental home, we decided to meet another carload of fellow vacationers at Skillets Café & Grill in the Coligny Plaza Shopping Center.

Our table of six adults and two kids was seated immediately upon our 8:30 arrival. The restaurant was filling quickly though, so be sure to get there early if you don’t want to encounter a wait.

Our group was already in vacation mode, so we ordered a round of Bloody Mary’s and mimosas. I didn’t sample the mimosas, but I enjoyed the spicy Bloody Mary throughout our meal.

My son was very hungry so we asked for his food to be brought out as soon as it was ready. We ordered the child’s kitchen sink for him with a Mickey Mouse pancake, one egg, a sausage link, and a strip of bacon ($3.95). It was a lot of food for our two-year-old, but the price was fair.

For my breakfast I went with french toast, the skillet way ($6.99). This is three thick slices of fresh bread, batter dipped, grilled golden brown, sprinkled with powdered sugar and topped with honey butter. This was delicious and I would definitely order it again. I also had a sausage patty ($1.99) on the side, which seemed like the same patties that McDonald’s uses. I was not a fan.

My wife had the vegetable scramble crêpe ($8.29), which is basically a large breakfast burrito, but wrapped in the thin crêpe instead. I did not try the crêpe, but I did share the side of “true grits” that came on the side along with a biscuit. The southern grits were very good and true to style, though I still prefer my grits with cheese.

Overall our group was very happy with their meals. We would not hesitate to return to Skillets on future trips to Hilton Head.

Just over a year ago, Skillets, one of the Island’s most popular restaurants for breakfast and lunch, had to close because the building in which it was located was largely burned down. Since then, the Baima family, owners of Skillets, has been working hard to open a new and even better Skillets restaurant.

The new Skillets occupies an entire, completely new building on the same site as its predecessor. However, it is much larger and more attractive than the nine-year Island favorite. The interior, for example, is centered around an atrium with 30-foot-high ceil-
ings and lots of light. The decor is warm and somewhat eclectic. There is extensive seating both indoors and outdoors.

As the old saying goes, “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it!” Therefore, the popular breakfast and lunch menus are largely unchanged from what made Skillets so popular in the past. Their signature “served in a porcelain skillet” breakfast items, of course, are back. The only major change before dinner is the addition of an extensive salad bar at lunch.

For dinner, the folks in Skillets’ kitchen put away the porcelain skillets, and change their orientation to more complex preparations of food. The atmosphere in the dining room also will be a bit less casual. In summary, for dinner Skillets offers “upscale food at reasonable prices.”

Executive Chef Curtis Pascoe, who has been associated with several of the Island’s fine dining establishments, orchestrates matters in the kitchen. Chef Pascoe tells us that he likes to prepare “American cuisine with a Southern influence” that is very attractively presented and heavily garnished.

Breads, pastries and desserts are prepared in-house. Since the Baima family formerly owned and operated the Coligny Bakery, the breads and sweets will reflect their considerable skills!

Amie Baima, who many will remember from the Coligny Bakery, Just Pasta restaurant and the old Skillets, will be overseeing the dining areas. John and Darlene Baima also frequently will be found in the dining areas helping patrons enjoy the time they spend at Skillets. It is worth noting that the family gave up its ownership interest in both Just Pasta and the Coligny Bakery so that they can devote 100% of their attention to their greatly expanded Skillets.

With summer coming to a close, visitors and locals alike can look forward to a cooler, quieter island. It’s time to enjoy the solitude of morning strolls and leisurely perusing the paper over a delectable brunch. That brings to mind Coligny’s landmark breakfast spot, Skillets Grill & Cafe. Just steps from the beach, Skillets is casual and family friendly, with room to relax converse and linger over a great cup of coffee. Outside on the patio, the seaside breezes and service are just as inviting and guests of the “four-legged” variety are made to feel welcome with their own menu of Lucky Dog Cuisine.

Skillets Grill & Cafe serves up a full breakfast menu from morning until late afternoon, and select savory dishes like Fresh Lump Crab Cake Benedict and Seafood Crepes can be found on their dinner menu. This is “the” place to go for the ultimate in comfort food. Their signature Skillet dishes come heaped full of good “fixens” like hashed potatoes, crisp vegetables, and country sausage. Top them off with perfectly poached eggs and they are eminently satisfying.

But if your taste buds tend to the sweeter side of the breakfast menu, Skillets certainly doesn’t disappoint. As many local moms can attest, Skillets is a popular place for grown ups and kids alike. Pancakes, waffles, crepes and French toast manage to hit the spot every time. Their Chocolate Chip and Blueberry Pancakes are truly fluffy stacks of decadence, but for a really over-the-top treat, Skillets’ signature Apricot Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast can’t be beat.

As compelling as their brunch fare is, Skillets also offers a variety of other menu selections, including one of the island’s best salad bars. Featuring around 30 different items, the bar is a popular lunch spot for those on the go. They also offer an early bird dining special that includes the soup du jour, salad, and a choice of one of seven different dinner entrees, with dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage for $16.95. Classic southern dishes like Skillets Grilled Meatloaf topped with tomato demi-glace and served with whipped potatoes or Pecan Fried Chicken with honey pecan glaze are just a few of the tempting options.

So whether you come in on Sunday for a traditional brunch and the delightful music of David Wingo or just want to enjoy all the comforts of a good home-style meal, Skillets Grill & Cafe is a great choice any day of the week.

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As seen in The Island Packet, 6/10/09

Eatery of the Week: Skillets Cafe brings people together for breakfast, lunch and dinner

By Carol WeirPublished Wednesday, June 10, 2009

For affordable, home-style meals at any time of day, go to Skillets Cafe. Skillets was established in 1994 as a small, family-owned and operated breakfast bistro at the south end of Hilton Head Island. After a fire in 2002 destroyed the adjacent building, also causing damage to Skillets, the cafe shut down for nearly two years. It reopened in a new, attractive building with inside and outside seating. A huge skylight floods the interior with beautiful natural light, and the decor is infused with hues and images from nature.

Owner Amie Baima, a local resident since 1977, puts in long hours at the restaurant (often aided by her mom and dad), seating customers, bartending and serving up delicious meals all with an enthusiastic smile. Baima holds a food science degree from Winthrop University and a culinary degree from Johnson and Wales. The whole Skillets staff is friendly and works well together to provide great service.

Known for signature porcelain skillets filled with tasty breakfast combinations, Skillets also serves omelets, crepes, eggs benedict and variations of french toast.

For lunch, enjoy down home favorites including meatloaf, old-fashioned chicken pot pie or Southern friend chicken. Or dive into Skillet’s extensive salad bar, with healthy delicacies such as artichoke hearts, field greens and specialty croutons.

For dinner, Skillets is much better than a typical chain restaurant, but still priced right for frequent visits. If a man wants a huge steak for dinner, his kids are craving cheeseburgers and their mom is watching her weight, Skillets has choices for all. Nightly dinner specials emphasize fresh ingredients and creative preparation. Don’t skip dessert, because Skillets’ chocolate brownie cobbler, home-made carrot cake and other selections are worth every calorie.

Childrens’ menus are available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In addition to a thoughtfully chosen wine list, the restaurant has specialty drinks and a fully-stocked bar. A private dining room is available for parties, and off-site catering is also offered.

In partnership with Lucky Dog Cuisine, a local small business, Skillets proudly serves canine dinners (outside only) from a doggy menu. Present in special bowls decorated with paw prints and bones, the meals ($6) are reportedly good enough for humans to eat. Choices include “Tailwagging Turkey” and “Perfect Pooch Pasta.”

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As seen in The Island Packet, 9/25/07

Lowcountry Tastes: Skillets Cafe

By Mike McDonellPublished Wednesday, September 26, 2007

I first started visiting Skillets Cafe 10 years ago. It’s been a favorite place to indulge in the types of breakfast I normally don’t get at home. When I feel like skipping my Froot Loops, chances are good I’m heading to Skillets.

“Skillets Cafe … Not just for Breakfast!” So proclaimed a card on my table during a recent visit to this venerable Hilton Head Island eatery. And it’s true. Several things have changed at Skillets since it opened in 1994. For one thing, due to a fire next door in 2002, Skillets reopened in 2004, expanding from 1,000-square-feet to 5,000-square-feet. And it shows. This is a bright, airy restaurant. But there’s something else.

Owner Amie Baima filled me in. That menu I’ve been perusing these many years? The first two pages still are filled with wonderful breakfast fare. The signature “Skillets” still are tempting medleys of delightful breakfast items served in their own porcelain “skillet.”My favorite, “The Brisket” ($7.75), is homemade corned beef hash topped with two poached eggs.

There also are three-egg omelets($7.50 to $8.95), Belgian waffles ($5.95 to $6.95) breakfast crepes ($6.95 and $8.95), wonderful Benedicts ($8.50 and $10.50), French Toast the Skillets Way ($6.25 for a full order and $4.50 a half order) and Stuffed French Toast ($7.25 for a full order and $5.50 a half order), more styles of pancakes than should be legal ($5.95 to $6.95) and breakfast sandwiches ($6.25). Then Amie turned the page.

Lunch. Who knew there were two more pages of luncheon items served after 11 a.m.? There are more than soups, salads and good-looking sandwiches, too. Stir fry is available in veggie ($7.25), chicken ($7.95) and beef ($9.95). There’s traditional fare such as meat loaf, chicken pot pie and shepherd’s pie ($7.95), as well as jambalaya and Beef Tips Marsala ($10.95).

Southern-style specialties and a kid’s menu are served, too.

For those arriving at dinnertime, daily blackboard specials offer tempting selections, with the operative word being “fresh.”

While common clichés suggest that you should make lemonade when life hands you lemons, or look for the silver lining in every dark cloud, it can sometimes be much easier said than done. When local restaurateur Amie Baima’s beloved Skillets was condemned after a devastating fire, she not only made it back, she took her restaurant to the next level and learned some important lessons along the way.

Since its opening about ten years ago, Skillets has been a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Its unique presentation of delicious breakfast and lunch dishes served in skillets (hence its name), along with a friendly staff, earned Skillets a great reputation as one of the “don’t miss” eateries on the island. Baima, who also owns Coligny Bakery, first got the idea for Skillets from folks who stopped in and asked where they should go for eggs and bigger breakfasts. This gave her the idea to open a restaurant that served just such items, and Skillets was born. Skillets offered made-to-order items, such as breads, biscuits, and bagels, that all came from Coligny Bakery, where they were baked daily. Things went well for Baima and her staff, which included her parents, John and Darlene.

Tragedy unfolded just after 2 p.m. on an ordinary day in March 2003 when a devastating fire struck. The fire actually began in the adjoining Alligator Grille restaurant, then spread to Skillets, which was serving its lunch crowd. Baima had just left to pick up her son from school and had no idea anything was wrong. On her way back, Baima got stuck in traffic. Fire trucks were everywhere. Then, Baima’s cell phone rang. Her father told her she needed to return to the restaurant and Baima told him she would if the fire trucks would get out of the way. When John replied that she really should let them by, Baima said she just knew something terrible had happened at the restaurant.

The next few moments unfolded in slow motion for her. Baima recalls arriving at the scene and seeing a huge crowd gathering and still remembers the terrible smell from the fire. Because the fire was slow-moving, they were able to salvage a few items and get everyone out.

At first, Baima thought the restaurant would be able to re-open within a matter of weeks. However, that proved not to be the case. The entire building was condemned. Building codes had changed and new codes had to be met in order for Skillets to re-open. It quickly became clear that re-opening would be a long, drawn-out process.

The lengthy delay was a blow for Baima and her staff. However, they were comforted by an outpouring of support from the community. As a matter of fact, according to Baima, she was “overwhelmed” by the kindness people from far and near showed her. She describes it as being almost like someone died. People sent flowers, cards, and letters, some coming from as far away as Canada and Hawaii. There were calls coming in almost non-stop. General contractors, plumbers, and electricians, who loved to eat at Skillets, came forward to offer assistance. Baima said she didn’t realize Skillets was more than “just a restaurant” until the fire, and she is happy about how many good-natured, caring people there are in the world.

Part-time resident Steve Jones said his time on Hilton Head isn’t complete if he doesn’t get to enjoy a meal at Skillets. His wife, Amanda, agreed, saying they call to see if Skillets has re-opened every time they come down from New Jersey.

T.D. Peeples Construction Company, Inc., the company who built the original structure, handled the re-building of Skillets, making it even bigger, better, and stronger than it was the first time around. The new Skillets not only occupies its old space, it has also taken over the old location of the Alligator Grille which has relocated to Park Plaza. It has expanded from about 1,800 square feet to nearly 4,500 square feet. Baima also decided to have a lot of fun with decorating the new facility. The new restaurant features an atrium with a bar area, many booths running along the perimeter of the building, large round tables, a private dining room (which can accommodate functions such as business meetings and weddings) and an outdoor seating area.

Skillets, which officially re-opened July 19, is serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m., seven days a week. A stocked salad bar is available for lunch and dinner, and an exciting dinner menu features something for everyone. Baima described the dinner menu as “American cuisine with southern influences,” including fried green tomatoes, rainbow trout, crab cakes, fresh seafood platters, liver and onions, lamb shanks, chicken breasts, seafood gumbo, eggs and crepes. She proudly stated that if a couple arrives for dinner, and the husband wants a huge steak and the wife only wants light fare, then Skillets can easily accommodate them.

Baima said one of the best aspects of re-opening is the fact that many of her employees will be returning. She credits her staff with hanging in there and remaining positive throughout the stressful experience and is proud of all of them, including her parents, who work hard and give a real team effort. Skillets is located at J-1 Coligny Plaza. (843) 785-3131.

Energetic, enthusiastic and entrepreneurial are three words that come to mind when describing Amie Baima. The owner of Skillets in Coligny Plaza has been a familiar face for Hilton Head Island dining patrons since the early ‘90s.

Amie’s creativity was the driving force behind several establishments that have become Island institutions. She opened Just Pasta and The Coligny Bakery in 1992; both of which she operated for 12 years. In addition, she also had a catering business, Corner Market Catering, and Hilton Head Wedding Cakes in the ‘90s. These days she focuses on Skillets, the breakfast restaurant she started in 1994.

“There was a need for a breakfast restaurant at this end of the island,” she says. “When I had the bakery, I’d see the same people every day. They’d say they really wanted eggs, waffles or pancakes. This seemed like the natural thing to do.”

Where some people see obstacles, Amie sees opportunities. A fire in 2002 devastated the neighboring Alligator Grille and damaged Skillets, forcing it to close for two years. During that time, the decision to only have one tenant in that location was made. Amie submitted her proposal to Coligny Plaza, got the site and expanded Skillets.

Like any successful businessperson, Amie doesn’t shy away from taking an innovative approach to serving her clientele while staying attuned to their needs. After all, how many breakfast restaurants feature an Elvis impersonator three nights a week? “I’m amazed at how many people come out to see him,” she says. It’s a fun atmosphere in which patrons may take to the floor and dance.

In addition to breakfast selections, Skillets offers the simple, “home-style” lunch and dinner options that tourists crave while they’re away from home and locals may not have the time to prepare with their busy schedules.

“This is the perfect place for families to come and eat affordably,” she says. Her own family is there often, especially her parents, John and Darlene. “They are a major help,” she says. So is her six-year-old son, Evan. “He loves to roll silverware; he hosts and buses.” Her sister Sandy, who owns several retail stores in Coligny, is also a frequent visitor.

Amie knows what locals and tourists are looking for in a restaurant. Her family moved to the island in 1977 and she grew up here. Her first job was at Gottlieb’s Bakery, which she would later buy, and at one time her parents owned Healthy Days. “I knew I wanted to be around food,” she says. “This was a natural progression for me.”

After graduating from May River Academy, she received a degree in food science from Winthrop University. She later earned a culinary degree from Johnson and Wales.

Amie is passionate about her chosen field. She works the long hours, weekends and holidays that are common in the restaurant business. “When you’re doing something that you love, it doesn’t matter,” she says. “The hours never even enter my mind. I can’t imagine doing something else.” Even with the long hours, Amie still manages to stay involved with the community. She was recently elected to the board of the Sandbox Children’s Museum.

Skillets is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. It’s a rare occasion that you won’t find Amie there. “I enjoy being here. I meet people from different places with different ideas. This is exciting.”

Wake up and smell the coffee, or a Bloody Mary, or whatever it takes to arouse your senses. Skillets Café, an island favorite since 1994, located in Coligny Plaza, is bigger and better than ever. Famous for its signature skillets filled with tasty breakfast combinations, other choices include omelets, crepes, benedicts and multiple variations of those to-die-for home style pancakes. Watching your waistline? You won’t feel deprived when you order a breakfast parfait, layered with fresh fruit, yogurt and granola. Any way you order it, Skillets gets your day started, sunny side up.

Stick around for lunch and enjoy down home favorites such as meatloaf, old fashioned chicken pot pie or Southern fried chicken. Dive into the salad bar, enjoy a bowl of homemade chili or indulge in one of Skillets’ specialty sandwiches. My personal favorite is the fried grouper sandwich, with the crab cake patty melt running a close second. Other popular sandwich selections include a classic BLT, grilled “3” cheese, turkey club, burger, Rueben, French dip, Monte Cristo and more. If you’re looking for something on the lighter side, opt for a grilled chicken salad or stir-fry.

But whatever you do, come back for dinner. That’s right. Skillets Café is now serving dinner nightly. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a meal that is just what the doctor ordered after a hard day’s work or play—a step above the typical chain restaurant, yet priced right for frequent visits and family outings.

Skillets Café is open daily, serving breakfast from 7 a.m.-5 p.m., lunch 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and dinner from 5-9 p.m. Choose indoor or outdoor seating or stop by for a cocktail at the bar. A private dining room is available, at no extra charge, for parties up to 24 with advance reservations. Off-site catering is also available. Sign up for a Skillets membership and receive discount and special promotion certificates. For more information, visit www.skilletscafe.com or call 843-785-3131.

Sidebar
Dinner at Skillets: a stellar performance
On a recent Friday night, after a hectic, deadline-filled week, too pooped to pop a cork, much less cook dinner, my husband and I dropped by Skillets for a reprieve. We weren’t looking for fancy food or a tuxedo-clad waiter. All we needed was a good meal, the fruit of the vine and someone else to cook and clean up. For a relaxing evening, delicious meal and a good time, I rate Skillets a five-star success. Here’s my rating system:

Service and Atmosphere: Upon arrival, we were greeted by owner, Aime Baima. Have you ever seen her without a smile on her face? No stuffy, pretentious atmosphere here, just a friendly, family sort of feel and a team approach to customer service.

Liquid Happiness: Although not extensive, the wine list offers a thoughtful selection of quality wines at a reasonable price. In addition to wine service, the restaurant features a martini list, a variety of specialty drinks and fully-stocked bar. (In keeping with the family-friendly nature of the restaurant, this is not the kind of bar where patrons linger for hours and leave schnockered, but rather a comfortable spot for an afternoon beer, vacation-style libation or pre-dinner cocktail.)

Menu: Whether you are in the mood for a tender steak, plate of pasta, lobster tail, or home style meatloaf with mashed potatoes, Skillets has your number, earning extra points for a 27-item salad bar, children’s menu and nightly specials. Dietary restrictions? Just ask. More bonus points for fresh ingredients, piping hot food and attractive presentation.